Afan FM Featured News Archive 2007 - Port Talbot Town Football Club

107.9 Afan FM Featured News Archive - 2007

18th December 2007
Sleeping with the Enemy
Forgive me father, for I have sinned. For the rest of the season, I'm an Afan Lido fan. Don't email your vitriol just yet though. I'll explain why you, you and especially you should be supporting the Seasiders for the rest of the term. The applications for promotion from the South consist of... Cwmbran (boring), ENTO Aberaman (where?), Powys (too far) and your happy rivals in red. This gives you guys a couple of rivalry games a season, with the extra money that brings and bragging rights, as well as reducing the travel that Port Talbot face each year. I said about the merger earlier this year and on reflection, it's about as good an idea as sending confidential data in the post... this way, both teams in the town can compete with each other, which can only help the profile of Port Talbot in total - perhaps there could be some sort of trophy between the two sides, based on the results against each other, why not the Brian Carpenter Memorial Trophy? On a slightly different tangent, I find it difficult to believe that clubs in the Welsh League don't apply to join the Welsh Premier. Is there really such a big desire to be a big fish in a small pond? It shows a distinct lack of ambition and drive in general - why do clubs even bother to play 34 games when there's no payoff other than the trinket trophy you get for winning the league, and besides, if you're a fan of local football, they seem to play their games on weird days, and the quality of play is none too bad. Also, eight teams have applied to go up from the Northern feeder - are sides like Llandyrnog United more progressive than sides in the South? I salute Craig Duggan's side for showing the ambition to go up. With four games in hand over everyone else that matters, they could well get promotion with an impressive squad - Corey Thomas, Luke Harrington and Steve Davis (not that one) are well worth watching. The forward direction, as well as the benefits it has for Port Talbot are the reasons why I'm following Afan Lido for the rest of the year - and why you should too. Afan Fm is available on 107.9FM in the Neath Port Talbot area, or the computer you're reading this on, by clicking here. Are you going to pitch up to Marston's Stadium any time soon? Why do clubs win the league but never bother to get promoted? Or...would you rather see a merger (only kidding). Sound off like you've got a pair at sport@afanfm.co.uk
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

25th November 2007
The New Guy - A Manifesto
Nicky Tucker is the new man. Perhaps seen as the surprise choice for Tony Pennock's replacement. Certainly his name was never mentioned. Most sources have been largely positive to the ex-Dinas Powys manager. This source is going to be a little more cautious, but still optimistic. He came into Llanelli and roused them to a record of 8 wins, 5 draws and 11 losses, a win percentage of 33%. Howevever, in those 24 games, there were 50 goals conceded (just under 2.1 a game). The warning signs have to be at least flashing if not blaring. Secondly, it seems a mortal lock that Dyfan Pierce is on his way back. Pierce was taken by Tucker at both Llanelli and Powys. Rob Cockings is probably a contender to return to a lesser extent. Whilst it's obvious that the squad needs more depth - the chairman's words come to mind: "This is a top WPL appointment". That also applies to players. Tucker will have to realise that he doesn't have to rely on his favourites and ex-players. If Mr Edwards is correct, it follows that Port Talbot can go after some top players in the new year. This is the time for the club to show it's ambition - you do not get to third place on the cheap. It seems odd that he's left Powys, they were 2 points off the lead in the Welsh League with a couple of excellent players, like striker Drew Fahiya. Does the fact that he's left show a lack of loyalty or a sign of ambition? On the whole, however, Tucker will bring some stability and experience to the role. With five points separating third and eighth, a European place is ripe for the picking. The early signs are good - a clean sheet against Carmarthen, he's kept Paul Reid on and he has Sam Baker beginning to emerge from the Academy. Win against Rhyl in front of the S4C cameras next week and Port Talbot are only 2 points away from them. Keep the momentum generated against Porthmadog and Connah's Quay going - if the Lido can generate 430 people against Goytre, there is no reason why Rhyl and new manager and S4C can't equal over 600. Get there on Saturday. Incidentally, with Caernarfon, Llangefni and Newtown all to come next, Rhyl could be part of an 18 point run for Port Talbot. Suddenly the run to the new year doesn't seem so bad. What signings would you bring in on January? Third is still a realistic possibility, right? Anyone got any decent pranks planned for the camera next week? I was thinking running around the ground with wires hanging out everywhere - nothing like a good old security alert…aaah wait, I'm in the studio. Sound off like you've got a pair at sport@afanfm.co.uk
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

18th November 2007
Hash tries his hand at a match report - Port Talbot Town 2-1 Connah’s Quay
With speculation about the new manager looming, Port Talbot Town had to stay focussed as Connahs Quay Nomads came to the Remax Stadium on a cold, wet Sunday afternoon. Caretaker Paul Reid welcomed Gareth Phillips and Lee Surman back from suspensions. Despite only making those changes, Port Talbot looked a lot more vibrant, with Reid's men playing a diamond in midfield, the impressive Liam McCreesh playing behind Lee John and Martin Rose. It was the excellent Rose who had the first chance of the game after a slow start, just poking the ball towards Paul Pritchard in the Nomad's goal, and only the offside flag kept the home side from testing the keeper more. The first real chance of the game again fell to Rose, who blasted over from six yards after good work from McCreesh. It seemed to continue in that manner for a while, before the Steelmen received their second penalty in as many weeks, Rose getting caught by Allan Glover. The number nine picked himself up and put the ball in the bottom right to make it Port Talbot 1, Connah's Quay 0. The away side seemed to have made the long trip from North Wales in search of a point, offering absolutely nothing in the first half that resembled an attack, often getting caught in possession by Port Talbot, as they were confused by the tempo that Port Talbot played at. However, they played a physical game, which led to Martin Rose being taken to hospital with a split ear towards the end of the half. Sam Baker made his home league debut at the start of the second half and he added pace and a mean streak to the Port Talbot offence. A mean streak wasn't enough to prevent the Nomads scoring though. It seemed against the run of play, as Port Talbot sat back further and further and a good move saw Stewart White volley past Rogers and the test was on. Would the Port Talbot heads drop? The answer was provided by Scott Barrow, who marginally hit over from 20 yards and then had his ankle clipped from 5 yards out, preventing a certain 2-1. Daniel Lancey replaced the winger and offered a few jinking runs, but never really got into the game. The Nomads looked nervous, having only won once in 5 games. They stretched that run to six as a series of corners led to Sam Baker turning and netting his first Premier goal from inside a crowded area, giving Port Talbot a deserved 2-1 win, moving them up to seventh and giving them some confidence before tricky games against Carmarthen and Rhyl. After the recent spate of indiscipline, it has to be pleasing that no cards at all were shown.
HIGH POINT: The short passing. When was the last time a 20+ passing attack had been seen at the Remax?
LOW POINT: The Nomad's fans shouting at the kids to shut up. Very classy.
3 Stars:
GARETH PHILLIPS - The defensive midfielder sat in front of Rees and Surman, and limited the Nomads to one shot on goal through precise tackling and great positioning.
SAM BAKER - A great performance, capped with the winning goal. The new manager must continue to give the Academy player experience at this level.
SCOTT BARROW - Barrow vs Lancey is a great selection headache the new manager will face on the left wing. The 19 year old was all over the pitch, breaking up attacks and often being the spark for new ones. Deserved a goal.
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

7th November 2007
Three Minutes

It's Saturday. You're in Rhyl. The clock reads 87 minutes. You're holding on 0-0 with 10 men. Last Friday you got humiliated but today is different. You're holding your own, planning for extra time and penalties to follow. You don't know it yet, but winning gives you another away game, this time at Haverfordwest. Excellent, you'll think, a chance to avenge that 1-2 defeat early in the season. To use it as a springboard to push up the table. Leigh De Vulgt's collected the ball. You're thinking he'll clear this, like a thousand other clearances, although you've noticed their number 11 is catching up on him awfully fast…
Tuesday, the clock reads 88 minutes. You're standing in Richmond Park. Carmarthen are demoralised after going out of the cup on Saturday and tonight, they're throwing the kitchen sink at you, but you're still strong, they've taken Sasha Walters off and they've just picked up their second booking in 8 minutes. Hold on for another three minutes and you're at home to one of the big guns in the next round. At home and on telly. Your top scorer has put you up 0-1 and this time you're sure that no-one is suspended. You've been thinking you need to relieve the pressure, but you've used all your subs. You've also noticed that another opposition number 11's looked good all game…he's played in one of their subs… It's still Tuesday night. It's 9:15 and that number 11 is running you ragged. You've picked up five bookings and you're stuck on the back foot. Still, he's been closed down - wait, he's just played a one-two with the other winger… It's after Tuesday night. You wonder what the chairman will say, what that annoying kid from the radio station will ask and most importantly, what the fans will think. You wonder whether it's worth it…. It's Saturday the tenth of November. You should be in Porthmadog, but you've made the wrong choice… I hate football sometimes. Tony Pennock has made the wrong decision, which is the same thing you guys have been saying for weeks. Never forget, three minutes and it wouldn't look so bad. It would have been a struggle, but it would have maintained until January 1 2008 and some players get signed and it looks somewhat better. Until then though, 8 games, including at home to Rhyl, away at Carmarthen again, a horrible trip away at Llangefni and a difficult pair of games against Neath. It's not looking good. What did Pennock do wrong? Who do you want as the next Port Talbot Town manager? Is that Mourinho bloke still free? Sound off like you've got a pair at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

28th October 2007
Llanelli Lessons

How do you put a positive spin on a 0-8 defeat? You can’t. What you can do though, is look at the seven and the eight goal games and look at what Port Talbot can learn from the side at the top. Despite being a very progressive set-up, the two games showed that they are still ahead by a significant amount. So, what do they do better, apart from scoring more. Port Talbot did win something 5-2 – yellow cards. Oh, and two reds. Obviously, getting seven cards in two games is unacceptable and shows that Llanelli held Themselves much better. Both sides are tough tackling, but there is a difference. Being fair, Gareth Philips’ foul was what anyone would have done, but with a much smaller squad and competing on three fronts, it is not going to help in the long run. For what it’s worth, Llanelli were error-free on Tuesday, picking up no bookings at all. There is a reason why they’re top of the league, and a truckload of money is only part of that reason. Talbot got outplayed, One other big reason was players they’ve bought in from down the road. The Jones’s, Mark and Craig are both ex-Lido. One thing, come January 1st, is there has to be at least a look at the sides around Re/Max, and who is available that can add to the squad. Having said the above, there are positives to take out. Rory Healey made his debut on Tuesday, Dylan Blain played well at right back and Chad Bond scored a couple. I think Port Talbot can bounce back from this. Look at Manchester City, who got blown away by Chelsea the day after. In both situations, it’s 3 points lost, a dented goal difference and here, a chance for Morgan and Rose to establish themselves in Chad’s absence. By the time Llanelli revisit the Re/Max, the scoreline will be a lot closer. What else can Port Talbot learn from Llanelli? Maybe we can get an annoying shouty band of 14 year olds too? What could they learn from Port Talbot? Email at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

12th October 2007
Musical Interlude

One thing I've noticed amongst many at the Remax stadium is the lack of decent music before and after the games. It does make it seem... a little dead. And even when there is music? I remember interviewing Rob Martinez before the friendly in July, and had to spend a lot of time taking the "Everybody dance nows" out of the recording! Most (all?) sides run out to something anthemic. I don't know what the Newcastle one is, but I'd know it if I heard it. I've never seen Z-Cars, but I know Everton run out to it. Swansea come out to that God-awful montage of everything they can fit into 30 seconds - I definitely think this is something that Port Talbot should jump all over. I'll go one better, as loyal fans, you guys (and the players) should be picking the anthemic, upbeat song they come out to. I would personally recommend BRMC's Spread Your Love. Always gets me ready for a night out. Something else that should happen is some music before the game.At Llandarcy the other day, they had a bit of Devil Woman playing. This is not pre-game music. Similarly, I've never understood the lyric "she's gonna get you from behind" - what sort of woman is this, Cliff? Obviously, music is huge to me. And you, I guess. Try to go a whole day without hearing any. I also think it's a great way to build up excitement and to tell a story. Swansea played the Klaxons' It's Not Over Yet when they went to extra time with Reading - a fantastic choice. Hopefully, the music wouldn't be too loud but I think it would lift the already good atmosphere and make the game feel that bit more special. Course, I could be talking through my trumpet. Perhaps no music is fine. I do draw the line though at music when a goal is scored - this isn't rugby league, thank the Lord. But Remax Stadium does need something. What music would you have played at the stadium for the teams to run out to? Are you going to email in Public Enemy or the Village People to subvert this? Having said that, wouldn't that be the most awesome duet ever? Your thoughts AND your votes please, to sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

29th September 2007
SGT Pennocks Supporters Club Band

The match sponsors for the Friday night victory against Aberystwyth were none other than the supporters’ club. These guys travel home and away to Town’s games and downright intimidate the opposition with a combination of chants, air horns and drums, and now they want you. If you were to send an email to ptblues@hotmail.co.uk and pay five pounds you can be a fully fledged member. They’re going to have deals on cheap merchandise, travel to selected games and the fantastic sense of community that exists between them. It’s a bigger step up than you think. I went to the Neath-Llanelli game last week and the away support hounded Craig Morris all night and they WERE a factor in a 1-3 away win. Both the Reds and Port Talbot have very progressive set ups and to see these guys measure up to a professional club is great news in boosting attendances across the league. They’re also open to your ideas. If you’ve ever wanted to organise an event but were too afraid to ask, these guys can help. In return, they’d like people to be a bit more, in their words, hardcore about the club – we’re not talking about a firm, just about turning Port Talbot into an ‘or’ club as opposed to “I support Port Talbot AND…” other WPL clubs could well learn something from this. Personally, it’s vital to the development of the league. Creating a need increases value and being more committed (by say…joining the club) creates that need, as well as extra cash for the football team. They’re my thoughts, but you’ll have to excuse me, I’m off to send an email.

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

21st September 2007
Under Pressure?
The boys in the Burns Rd End (the guys with the freeform jazz orchestra behind the nets) have a prediction league on the club website forum. For the Newi Cefn game, one of them had the prediction "3-1 to lift the heat off Penns"... my first reaction was is there heat on Pennock?! I'm not sure what's expected of him, but let's see... he's given up his part-time coaching job at Swansea, where he also helped establish a link which has brought Kerry Morgan in, he's stayed undefeated so far at the RE/MAX Stadium, brought in some very promising younger players (Matt Thompson, Daniel Lancey and Liam McCreesh) and kept the strength of the team (the defence) together. How can there be pressure on him? It's important to realise that he's building something that may take a few months to bed in - particularly with 5-6 new players. To put pressure on him is wrong, when we're not even 10 games into his managerial tenure with the club. As regards the away form, they’ve played some very strong teams (Haverfordwest, TNS, Llanelli and Caernarfon- all top 7 at time of writing) but I strongly believe Port Talbot will pull it all together and slam some unfortunate side 4-0. It happened at the Newtown game at home, it could very well happen again. The squad and the infrastructure are probably the most progressive in South Wales; it would be a shame to lose a cornerstone of it. home advantage is so important in the WPL, the supporters in the stadium are a huge part of that. Do you think Pennock is doing a good job? How would you remedy the away form? Are you going to join the prediction league on www.porttalbottown.co.uk? Email sport@afanfm.co.uk with your views.
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

7th September 2007
Come together
Swansea City All-Stars vs Lido and Port Talbot XI. Excellent day for the family as part of Kris O’Leary’s testimonial year, the chairman going in goals, everyone happy. Liam McCreesh virtually swapping shirts with Tomas Wellington. Perhaps – there’s a motive? What if, Port Talbot and the red shirts over the road DID merge? I’ve always believed that the Bristol sides should merge, because such a big city needs a competitive club. Why can’t the same happen here? If both sides merged, maybe it would allow this new side to compete in Europe through gaining all the other guy’s sponsorship, players etc.. Of course, you’d lose the derby game, but last one of those, there were 97 people in the crowd (I know this because I counted it) and one side would lose their identity, but it’s got to be about the greater good, surely? Or am I underestimating local rivalry? I grew up in a place where the nearest derby was 70 miles away! Yet, it was still a derby – so to me, these rivalry games have become devalued. As for team identity, well, there isn’t a better identity than winning and having a monopoly on the town’s fan base (in the WPL), bringing in extra money and sponsors. The more I think of it, the more a merger seems to make sense. Don’t underestimate the Lido either, there are a couple of good players there – Is there really too much history behind both clubs that a merge would be too painful? Having said all that look at other mergers –Rushden and Diamonds anyone? Acceptable in the 90’s perhaps, but maybe not now. The derby game allows you to have bragging rights at work – you might not want to lose that. Or maybe the Lido would just be hanging off the coattails – free promotion, no contribution. Maybe that’s your view. Should the two sides merge? Would anyone from Lido get into the Port Talbot team? Should this column have been named “2 Become 1?” Are you now singing Spice Girls? Let us know your thoughts – sport@afanfm.co.uk
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

16th August 2007
Who’s Refereeing the Referee’s
I've never been so gutted to miss a game. I was in the studio Saturday, meaning James was in attendance for the victory against Neath. I think the first thing he said when he got back to the studio was that the ref was awful, which shouldn't be the case in a 3-0 victory! It got me thinking; referees don't really have any accountability – and it should change. Now. The better referees are the ones you don't notice. Yet, I think the BEST referees are the ones that would give an interview 20 minutes after the game to back up their decisions – other than the stonewall you get now. I'm not suggesting that referees should have to face trial by media for every decision – but I think the media can be an important positive tool in keeping them in check, whilst giving them a direct chance at defending themselves – maybe if they were more...human, and not the overweight, robotic Steve Bennett wannabes that many of them seem to be, fans would understand them more and abuse them...less. Not every decision will be right, but there doesn't seem to be any accountability right now, and that frustrates fans. Having said all the above, how difficult can it be to get a refereeing badge? I can't think of anyone that's failed the assessment before – maybe I've struck upon an on-air feature! For those not going to Caernarfon, tune it to 107.9 Afan FM and we'll keep you as updated as possible on Saturday. Should referees be more open? Can we think of a more original chant than “Who's the W***** in the black?” Do they wear black because it makes them look slimmer? Let us know your thoughts: Sport@Afanfm.co.uk
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

8th August 2007
When you wish upon an (all) star
My name's Hash and I'm a huge fan of American sport. Sorry, “spawts”. There, I said it. I also said last time that I have an idea for the WPL and here it is. I propose that the league holds an annual North versus South all-star game. Not the most popular idea – even in America. The joke goes that if you bet on an All-Star game, you have a gambling problem but before you click the email button, here's my reasoning. The league doesn't really have a curtain raiser – a game to really make you WANT the season to start, a tease if you will; to get casual fans to stick around. The all-star game is the solution. All year, fans can vote on 14 players through the internet and a sponsor's outlet, with the other 2 players picked by fan-voted managers. The venue rotates each year, from Rhyl to Port Talbot to Bangor. The best that the WPL has to offer, on one pitch. No pressure, allowing a bit of showboating – casual fans love tricks and it would keep them interested. North vs South Wales is always an excellent debate and this would settle it... for a year. Sponsors would jump on the one-off bandwagon and league would be seen as an innovator, - I can't honestly see a downside to the idea. Maybe there are organisational costs but I think the impact would be far more positive overall, financially and as a spectacle. Who would you pick for a North vs South game? Who would make the South side from Port Talbot? Is the suggestion of an All-Star game a load of Yank? Let us know, get onto studio@afanfm.co.uk or the excellent forums.
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

2nd August 2007
Summer School
And so the debate rolls on – should the WPL go the way of the Eircom League and play summer football? I'd be inclined to disagree from this end, and not least as I want to take my holidays in June! Comparing the Irish league to Wales is apples and oranges and here's why. In Ireland, most (all?) teams are fully professional – not the case here and as a result, some players may be inclined to work (builders etc.) - not the best advert for the league! Second, there are an army of volunteers who work off the pitch to ensure the product on the field goes out. These unsung, unpaid heroes may not be so willing if they have to give their summers up. Would attendances grow if the games were in better weather? I'm not sure. To me, there's always been something addictive about sitting in freezing winters – football is (supposedly) gladitorial and rainy cold November Tuesday nights at Welshpool has to be what it's all about, surely? – people will argue the casual fan will turn up, but if you're a casual fan on a sunny Saturday in July, the beach (and a radio!) would surely be a more attractive option? As regards Europe, there IS a benefit but people in favour of the summer move want to run before they walk. In my view the WPL is a live TV deal away from the next step - some competitive finance. It has always seemed odd that losing managers in Europe say summer football is necessary and the winners say to keep it how it is. Odd that. Having said all that, I've got an ambitious idea that is different to most major leagues around the world. Some people won't like it...it's a pre-season thing, but I've said too much - I'll save it for next time. What do you think? Would summer football appeal to you? Could the WPL lose players to sunburn? Does the thought of Lee Surman drenched in factor 75 in mid-June sway you? Email us at studio@afanfm.co.uk or discuss this on the excellent forum.
Hash
Red Card (We changed the name) Saturday 3-6
107.9 AfanFM

17th July 2007
And now : Celebrity Juggling!
Recently, there was news of the TV blackout. In their wisdom, they have chosen not to broadcast TNS, Rhyl or Carmarthen's early European games. Such a situation would be unthinkable in any other European country and I was a fan of any of those sides, I'd be fuming. It seems TV companies (BBC, ITV, S4C, Sky and the “saviour” Setanta) will not support the Welsh game, preferring instead to have yet another “celebrity” show (watch as the backing dancer from East 17 tries to eat insects on ice -on ITV tonight!) or another “talent” show (how is Britain's Got Talent presented by Ant and Dec?) than showcase legitimate sporting and social effort. I guarantee that if Port Talbot or any of 107.9 Afan FM's clubs make it to Europe, we'll be there before they ask us. Regardless of the opposition, European nights are SPECIAL and should be treated as such. The lack of ambition, choosing instead to milk the premium rate cash cow is the sorry state that TV is in. I hope that the clubs involved go through and they then have the spine to NOT negotiate with those who have not shown any respect to them at the early stage. Surely, at the very least, TNS' Champions' League games should be on TV? If ITV or Sky, as TV rights holders don't want to show the game, they should invite S4C to show the game? What does the FAW do now? If Port Talbot finish top 3, will there be a similar blackout? Not from this end, there won't be. The problem is, that if it isn't the instant gratification of the English Premiership, TV executives see it as a risk. Now, if you don't mind, I'm off to practice my juggling, and I'll be on TV before TNS! What's your view of the Blackout? Is this a precedent coming seasons? With all the football leaving the BBC, should 2W snap up some Welsh games? Isn't it weird that a team formally known as Total Network Solutions can't get on a network? sport@afanfm.co.uk
Until Next Time
Hash
107.9 AfanFM Sports Editor
Touchline – 1400-1800 Saturdays